Tuesday, September 13, 2011

Beetle Juice


This beautiful beetle is called a "Blister Beetle". Their defense mechanism is to secrete a poisonous substance called Cantharidin, which causes skin to blister. Usually, one doesn't need medical attention if coming in contact with the beetle, but it can be painful. Surprisingly, the same secretion is used as an ingredient in wart removal products.


Photo: Jeff Delonge

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